Contact Use-Tolling put on hold
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Transport minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, has stopped the progress of e-tolling – saying more consultation is needed.
According to the Department of Transport, Ndebele has instructed the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to halt all processes related to the tolling of national roads.
This follows the approval of e-tolling prices by Cabinet in August – despite the threat of strike action from trade federation, Cosatu and outcries from motorists and commuters.
Earlier this year, government approved prices which would have seen drivers of light motor vehicles pay 40c per km, with prices for medium vehicles starting at 100c per km and 200c per km for longer vehicles. Motorcycles would pay 24c per km while qualifying commuter taxis and buses will be exempt from fare charges.
Despite the concerns, Cabinet noted that it was satisfied with the e-tag discount – 31% of the tag tariff – and other discounts which would be available to motorists.
According to the DOT, the minister is of the view that consultative processes should be allowed to take place to offer concerned parties an opportunity to share their views on the toll road programme.
“All spheres of government should be part of a consultative process with all affected parties, consumers in the main. Good infrastructure is a necessity for a better future for our country, but this requirement must not leave our people even poorer,” says Ndebele.
The DOT adds that Ndebele notes that while the country requires good road infrastructure to meet its economic growth targets – this shouldn’t put a huge financial burden on the shoulders of consumers.
The e-tolling charges form part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) – an initiative which will lead to the upgrade or construction of approximately 500 kms or road around the Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metros.
Introduced in a phased plan and design approach, the project will introduce and open road tolling system which will electronically charge drivers per kilometre as they pass gantries erected across designated toll roads.
The system allows for tolls to be automatically charged without vehicles stopping or slowing down. When the vehicle enters the toll area, the electronic equipment will photograph the front and rear number plate, read the e-tag on the vehicle, verify the tag if is linked to the specific vehicle and have an account linked to it.
Cabinet recently appointed a task team that includes Ndebele and the Minister of Finance to look into the issue of toll roads.
Ndebele says all these processes, including a consultative processes initiated by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, should be allowed to reach their logical conclusions to ensure that all parties concerned and their respective views are brought on board.
